Standing male ancestor figure "singiti" ·  D. R. Congo, Hemba · ID: 3039636

Description

wood, blackish brown patina, pigment remains, characteristic “majestic” facial features and posture, bearded face with half-closed eyes, disc-shaped flattened coiffure with cross emblem, round bulging back with visible shoulder blades, base and leg zone (above all backside) strongly marked by insect caused damage, rep. at the same place (three times), slightly dam. (mouth, left ear, navel, coiffure), fine cracks, base;
ancestor figures, called “singiti”, represent famous warriors, clan founders or local chiefs, which are put in small huts and venerated. Noble families adopted the practice of sculpting images of their ancestors, thus preserving the memory of their ancestors and constituting a genealogical chart of their lineage. Through this custom they reinforced the authority of the ancestral tradition and affirmed their ownership of the ground. If Bembe, Tabwa, Hemba, Kusu, Tetela or Songye all developed masculine statuary that was somewhat similar. These figures stand with their hands on the stomach with half-closed eyes. In Luba culture the word “difu” - belly, also refers to a branch of the lineage. In that sense, the ancestor with his hands on his belly is watching over his descent.